“Cause money makes the rules!” KISS pulled their way back into the mainstream spotlight with Sonic Boom. Despite constant criticism from “fans” upset with the fact that Ace and Peter had been replaced by Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, makeup and all, the group continued to tour successfully, selling out multiple shows and putting outContinue reading “The Year Of KISS: Monster (2012)”
Tag Archives: The Year Of KISS
The Year Of KISS: Psycho Circus (1998)
“I wanna leave but I can’t get away….” With the recording of Carnival Of Souls: The Final Sessions all but forgotten, KISS rode a wave of nostalgia that started in 1995 with the reuniting of the original band on MTV Unplugged. KISS was once again at the top of the world, as the original membersContinue reading “The Year Of KISS: Psycho Circus (1998)”
The Year Of KISS: Carnival Of Souls: The Final Sessions (1997)
“Faded smiles behind dark shades….” Although 1992’s Revenge was positively received, KISS was starting to fade as a mainstream band. By the time the group returned to the studio to record their next album, Carnival Of Souls: The Final Sessions, the music that they inspired and ultimately embraced in the 1980’s, glam and pop rock,Continue reading “The Year Of KISS: Carnival Of Souls: The Final Sessions (1997)”
The Year Of KISS: Revenge (1992)
“I’ve gotta body built for sin and an appetite for passion!” With the 1980’s behind them, KISS strolled into the new decade with their name still in the press but at a level that was nowhere near their success in the 1970’s. The band both lost and gained fans throughout the “no makeup” era thatContinue reading “The Year Of KISS: Revenge (1992)”
The Year Of KISS: Hot In The Shade (1989)
“Rosa had a lover on the shady side of town.” Hot In The Shade, KISS’ follow-up project to their highest charting 1980’s release, Crazy Nights, is very personal to me because it was the first KISS album that I ever purchased. It would get me into conversations later in life that would set me onContinue reading “The Year Of KISS: Hot In The Shade (1989)”
The Year Of KISS: Animalize (1984)
“I wanna put my log in your fireplace….” Hot on the heels of their Lick It Up Tour, KISS headed back into the studio to record their next album, 1984’s Animalize. The band’s popularity was growing once again and they needed to put out an album that could keep their name in the magazines, theirContinue reading “The Year Of KISS: Animalize (1984)”
The Year Of KISS: Lick It Up (1983)
“It ain’t a crime to be good to yourself.” September 18, 1983 will go down in history as one of the most pivotal points in time for KISS. Ace and Peter were gone. Record sales and the band’s popularity were low. Creatures Of The Night failed to give the group a boost despite being anContinue reading “The Year Of KISS: Lick It Up (1983)”
The Year Of KISS: Paul Stanley (1978)
“You keep your love in chains….” Of the four KISS solo albums released in 1978, Paul Stanley is, at least in my opinion, the one that sounds the most like a KISS album. Loaded with power pop and rock, a few Ace-like hooks, and Paul’s voice exploring its range, this album sounds like KISS bothContinue reading “The Year Of KISS: Paul Stanley (1978)”
The Year Of KISS: Gene Simmons (1978)
“I’m burning up with fever….” Of the four solo albums released in 1978 by the members of KISS, Gene Simmons is arguably the most anomalous of the bunch. Sure, Peter Criss’ solo effort strayed the farthest from KISS’ traditional sound, but it was also consistent. Gene’s album was a mishmash of different styles of music.Continue reading “The Year Of KISS: Gene Simmons (1978)”
The Year Of KISS: Ken Kelly, Artist (1946-2022)
Destroyer, Love Gun Cover Artist Passes Away On June 3, 2022, the art world and the rock world lost one of its most iconic creators. Ken Kelly, a sword and sorcery artist who KISS fans know as the cover artist for two of KISS’ most iconic albums: Destroyer and Love Gun. Kelly produced artwork forContinue reading “The Year Of KISS: Ken Kelly, Artist (1946-2022)”
Ken's Alternate Universe! 